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Medical insurance coverage helps you and your family access routine and preventive health care at a reasonable cost and protects against the catastrophic costs of major illness or injury.

Macalester’s medical insurance program is self-funded. This means that Macalester pays the total costs of medical claims made against its health care plans. It does not transfer the claims costs or the risk of claims to a third-party insurer. However, Macalester has retained the services of HealthPartners to provide third-party administrative services, such as access to a network of providers and claims processing.

By self-funding our health care insurance program, Macalester effectively serves as its own insurance company. Macalester does not price the medical plan to make a profit. Employees who elect to participate in the Macalester’s plans pay a portion of the cost through deductibles and coinsurance. Macalester pays the remainder of the claim costs.

Eligible employees’ paychecks are generally reduced on a pre-tax basis by the amount of their health insurance premiums. This pre-tax plan is governed by IRS regulations and, as a result, there are certain limitations on an enrollee’s ability to make changes to coverage levels during the year.

Annual enrollment in Macalester’s medical insurance plan is held on a yearly basis during late Fall, at which time employees can change their medical plan and/or the level of coverage.

Employees can choose between the HealthPartners High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with HSA or the HealthPartners PPO Health Plan. Both plans use the Open Access Choice PPO network and provide comprehensive coverage. Highlights of the plans include fully covered preventive health care (no deductible or co‐pay). The Open Access Choice PPO network gives you the care and service you need, at your convenience. With more than 650,000 providers, you have access to one of the country’s largest networks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to be covered under Macalester’s health plans?

Any regular Macalester employee scheduled to work 1007.50+ hours (0.50 full time equivalent (FTE) or higher) is eligible for coverage.

What is the difference between “in network” and “out of network” providers/doctors?

“In network” coverage typically provides the full benefit allowed under the plan.
“Out of network” coverage allows you to see any provider/doctor of your choosing, however at a lower benefit level (higher cost to you).

A Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) is a health insurance plan that contracts with medical providers, such as hospitals and doctors, to create a network of participating providers. The PPO plan has lower deductibles than the HDHP and participants will pay co-pays for most services. Participants in the PPO Plan may elect to participate in a health care flexible spending account (FSA) to set aside funds on a pre-tax basis for qualified expenses.

What is a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)?

A high deductible health plan (HDHP) is a health insurance plan with lower premiums and higher deductibles than a traditional health plan. High deductible health plans are a form of catastrophic coverage, intended to cover for catastrophic illnesses. Participation in a qualifying HDHP is a requirement forhealth savings accounts (HSA) and other tax-advantaged programs.